Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that HIV infections from 2006 to 2009 remained “relatively stable” with 50,000 new infections per year, infections in young black men having sex with other men increased by 48%!
The alarming statistic is especially high for black men, but gay men are unfortunately accounting for the greatest number of new infections with 61% or 29,300 in 2009!
Hispanics are also contracting the disease at high rates. It is estimated that Hispanics represent 16% of the American population, but accounted for 20% of new infections in 2009!
The CDC is hoping to use the statistics to bring down rates of infection, especially among the “hardest hit areas and populations, writing in a press release:
“With better ways to measure the epidemic, more data about affected populations, and a growing number of prevention tools, CDC has been working to target the best mix of interventions to the hardest hit areas and populations. New biomedical tools such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for MSM and heterosexual men and women, along with expanded testing, treatment, and linkage to care, could have an important impact on infection rates, if used strategically and in combination with other proven prevention strategies.”
These statistics are such sad news, but only MORE of a reason to WEAR A CONDOM, regardless of the race of your partner. Is being stubborn with a rubber worth risking your life?
[Image via WENN.]
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